- Blancaneaux Lodge • Belize
- Turtle Inn • Belize
- Coral Caye • Belize
- La Lancha • Guatemala
- Jardin Escondido • Argentina
- Palazzo Margherita • Italy
- All-Movie Hotel • USA
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and pristine rainforests, Belize calls to those seeking an escape where luxury meets untamed beauty. Here, among ancient Maya ruins and the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the Coppola Family has created a collection of intimate luxury resorts that redefine the meaning of paradise.
In Belize, sophistication isn’t about marble lobbies or formal dress codes. It’s about waking up to the gentle sounds of the rainforest from your private thatched-roof dwelling, dining on fresh-caught seafood steps from the Caribbean Sea, or watching the sunset from your own private island. This is barefoot luxury — where world-class comfort meets natural authenticity, where shoes are optional, but experiences are exceptional.
Belize offers a rare combination of accessibility and seclusion that sophisticated travelers cherish. Just a few hours’ flight from major U.S. cities, this English-speaking country feels worlds away from the ordinary. Here’s what makes Belize an extraordinary destination:
This natural wonderland provides the perfect backdrop for indulgent experiences that feel both exclusive and authentic — the essence that discerning travelers seek.
When Francis Ford Coppola first discovered Blancaneaux Lodge in 1981, he was captivated by the beauty of Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. What began as a family retreat has evolved into a collection of distinctive luxury hideaways, each offering its own interpretation of paradise.
The Coppola vision of luxury in Belize is deeply personal and intentionally intimate. Rather than building massive resorts, they’ve created small-scale hideaways where every guest feels like family. Local culture isn’t just preserved; it’s celebrated — from the traditional fishing techniques that supply our restaurants to the Mayan artifacts thoughtfully displayed in our dwellings.
Imagine stepping onto a white-sand beach where the Caribbean’s turquoise waters meet Balinese-inspired comfort. Turtle Inn, acquired by Francis and Eleanor Coppola in 2001, is more than a beachfront resort — it’s a seaside sanctuary where every detail tells a story.
Twenty-seven intimate dwellings, each hand-crafted with traditional Balinese techniques, offer peaceful retreats cooled by sea breezes. Authentic Indonesian furnishings and artworks create spaces that feel both exotic and deeply comfortable. Here, luxury reveals itself in subtle details: the perfect placement of a hammock, the private outdoor garden shower, the way morning light plays through Balinese hand-carved wooden screens.
Dining at Turtle Inn celebrates the bounty of both land and sea. The Mare Restaurant serves fresh-caught seafood with Italian flair, while Auntie Luba’s Kitchen offers authentic Belizean flavors. Steps from your private deck, the beach bar serves tropical cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon.
Water enthusiasts find paradise here. The resort’s proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it an ideal base for diving and snorkeling adventures. Paddleboards, kayaks, and sailboats await those who wish to explore the coast. The nearby fishing village of Placencia offers a genuine glimpse into Belizean life, easily accessible by bicycle or a peaceful beach walk.
Deep in the Maya Mountains, Blancaneaux Lodge stands as a testament to the beauty of unexpected discovery. This 20-room hideaway, where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy, offers an entirely different face of Belizean luxury. These retreats feature beds positioned to embrace mountain, river or verdant garden views and the welcoming sound of morning bird calls.
Each dwelling, rich with Guatemalan décor, seems to grow naturally from the landscape. The thundering Privassion River provides nature’s soundtrack, while the surrounding Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve promises endless adventures. The 4 acre organic garden, tended daily by our dedicated team, supplies our kitchens with fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, embodying our commitment to authentic farm-to-table dining.
Unique among luxury resorts in Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge offers horse stables where guests can embark on trail rides through the pine forest. The Waterfall Spa harnesses the healing energy of the jungle, offering treatments that incorporate local herbs and traditions. Natural plunge pools formed by the waterfalls provide pristine swimming opportunities that no man-made facility could rival.
Imagine having an entire Caribbean island as your personal sanctuary. Coral Caye, our two-acre private island just eight miles from Turtle Inn, offers exactly that. This exclusive retreat accommodates between two and ten guests, making it perfect for romantic getaways or intimate family gatherings. Important to note that Coral Caye is always booked as a private experience for one family or couple etc.
Here, comfort means absolute privacy and personalized service. Your island companions include only those you choose to bring and our attentive staff — a dedicated butler/caretaker and chef who ensure every moment is perfectly crafted to your desires. From breakfast featuring just-picked tropical fruits to evening seafood barbecues on the beach, every meal becomes a memorable experience.
The island’s rustic-luxe cottages blend with their natural surroundings while providing all the comforts you need. Snorkel or paddle-board directly from your private island, explore the fascinating mangrove ecology, or simply sway in a hammock as tropical birds soar overhead. This is barefoot luxury at its most exclusive.
At The Family Coppola Hideaways, we believe extraordinary moments can’t be mass-produced. Each experience we offer is thoughtfully orchestrated, much like a scene from a beloved film. Whether you’re diving pristine reefs with our marine biologists, exploring ancient Maya cities with expert archaeologists, or learning traditional fishing techniques from local masters, every adventure tells its own story.
Instead of a standard menu of activities, we craft personal journeys. Our guides don’t just lead tours — they share their connection to Belize’s rich heritage. Imagine learning the secrets of Garifuna drumming in a traditional village, joining local cookery classes to master Belizean specialties, crafting chocolate from local cacao in a hands-on workshop, or having a local fisherman show you their generations-old techniques for finding the perfect catch.
Let us help you craft the perfect Belizean getaway that aligns with your travel style and preferences:
At The Family Coppola Hideaways, we believe preparation is part of the pleasure. Let us guide you in assembling an elegant yet effortless collection for your stay.
Our concierge remains at your disposal should you require any additional items during your stay.
Luxury, as The Coppola Family sees it, must be sustainable to be truly meaningful. A Belize community fund fee is added to daily room rates, supporting carefully selected local charities and non-governmental organizations.
Our environmental initiatives are pioneering and include organic farming practices, renewable energy usage at Blancaneaux Lodge, and coral reef protection programs to name a few. We work closely with local communities to preserve traditional practices and support sustainable livelihoods.
At the Family Coppola Hideaways, luxury means the freedom to shape your own experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, cultural immersion or pristine isolation, our properties offer endless possibilities. Each dwelling type, from garden-view cottages to private island retreats, provides its own unique perspective on Belizean luxury.
Your paradise within paradise awaits. Whether you envision yourself watching the Caribbean paint gold across the horizon from Turtle Inn, discovering hidden waterfalls at Blancaneaux Lodge, or claiming an entire island as your own at Coral Caye, the Family Coppola Hideaways offer intimate experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Belize.
Contact our team to begin crafting your perfect escape. From accommodation selection to activity planning, from dietary preferences to special celebrations, we’re here to exceed your every expectation.
When Francis Ford Coppola first discovered an abandoned hunting lodge in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the early 1980s, he wasn’t looking to create a collection of resorts. He was seeking something more intimate — a place where natural beauty and genuine comfort could coexist, where stories could unfold naturally, and where luxury meant feeling completely at ease and connected to nature and local culture.
We believe luxury isn’t about marble lobbies or white-glove service. It’s about the perfect hammock placement for afternoon reading, the locally sourced ingredients in your morning coffee, and the staff who know your name and favorite sunset spot. It’s about creating spaces where shoes are optional, but exceptional experiences are guaranteed.
As artists at heart, we curate experiences rather than simply offer amenities. Everything — from our locally sourced cuisine to our adventure offerings — is thoughtfully crafted to create moments worth remembering. We maintain intimate property sizes not because it’s easier, but because it allows us to deliver the personal services and authentic experiences our guests deserve.
Our commitment extends beyond our properties. We believe in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage that make Belize extraordinary. Through sustainable practices, community partnerships, and cultural preservation efforts, we’re ensuring these hideaways remain sacred spaces for generations to come.
When you stay with us, you’re not just booking a room — you’re becoming part of a continuing story. A story of discovery, of natural beauty, and of family-style hospitality that feels both luxurious and genuinely warm. Welcome to The Family Coppola Hideaways, where your chapter awaits.
Indeed — many of our guests choose to embrace both mountain and seaside sanctuaries. Our team orchestrates transfers between properties, creating a harmonious journey through Belize’s diverse landscapes.
Your journey begins with direct flights to Belize City from major U.S. and Canadian city airports. From there, we arrange your preferred mode of transport — be it private car service, domestic flights, or dramatic helicopter transfers — each offering its own perspective on Belize’s stunning geography.
We believe in natural luxury. At Turtle Inn, select dwellings DO offer air conditioning, while all accommodate authentic haiku ceiling fans. Blancaneaux Lodge embraces mountain breezes and ceiling fans for natural cooling. Every space is thoughtfully designed to work in harmony with its environment.